What method is used to separate each aircraft from others?

The method used to effectively separate aircraft from each other is primarily based on different heights or issued headings. This technique is fundamental to air traffic control and involves assigning aircraft to fly at varying altitudes or along prescribed flight paths that ensure they do not collide with one another.

By using different altitudes, air traffic controllers can create vertical separation, providing a buffer that accounts for various factors such as aircraft performance and turbulence. Additionally, issuing specific headings helps ensure that aircraft can follow designated routes without overlapping with others.

This method is a critical safety measure in aviation, allowing for the safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Other techniques, while beneficial in their own right, do not solely address the unique need for physical separation in the airspace. For example, increased communication can enhance situational awareness but does not substitute for reliable separation. Similarly, automatic navigation systems may enhance efficiency, but they primarily rely on established altitude and heading protocols to maintain separation.